SERENESTUDIO

Preparing a Document for Signing

This article covers the preparation stage: uploading a PDF, placing fields, and assigning signers before you send.

Before you begin

  • You need a PDF of the document to be signed. The Files module can store source documents — see Files Overview.
  • Have the names and email addresses of all signers ready.

Starting a new document

  1. Navigate to eSign in the portal sidebar.
  2. Select New document (button in the top-right).
  3. A source selection prompt appears. Choose:
    • Upload PDF — select a PDF from your computer.
    • Pick from Files — select a PDF already stored in your Files module. See Using the File Picker.
  4. The portal converts the PDF to a signable document and opens the field placement editor.

Conversion takes a few seconds for typical documents.

Adding signers

Before placing fields, add the people who need to sign:

  1. In the field placement editor, select Add signer.
  2. Enter the signer’s name and email address.
  3. Select Add. Repeat for each signer.

Each signer is assigned a color in the editor so you can see which fields belong to which person at a glance.

Placing fields

Fields are placed by dragging from the field palette on the right onto the document canvas.

Available field types:

Field Description
Signature The signer’s drawn or typed signature
Initials A short initials acknowledgment
Date signed Auto-filled with the date the signer completes their fields
Text A free-text entry field
Checkbox A tick box for yes/no acknowledgments

To place a field:

  1. Select the field type in the palette.
  2. Drag it to the position on the document page where it should appear.
  3. Resize the field by dragging its handles.
  4. In the field properties panel, assign the field to a signer using the Assigned to dropdown.

Repeat for each required field. A document must have at least one signature field assigned to each signer before it can be sent.

Reviewing before sending

Before finalizing:

  • Scroll through every page to verify all fields are placed correctly.
  • Confirm each signer has at least one signature field assigned.
  • Select Preview to see the document as a signer will see it.

When you are satisfied, proceed to Sending for Signature and Tracking Status.

Saving a draft

The document is automatically saved as a Draft as you work. To return to it later:

  1. Navigate to eSign.
  2. Find the document in the list with status Draft.
  3. Select Continue editing.

Next steps